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So, based on a discussion with @krakendoomcool , @GeordieCalgar and @talosuk2099 I decided to have a play around with photographing a squad, using only a smartphone, so no lens-based cheating. The PROBLEM - can't keep all members of a squad in focus.
#warmongers
#warmongers
So, one solution is to move further away, and use only part of the frame for the subject, then crop down.
Results are poor - it's harder to frame the image, and with a smartphone, it's hard to get the razor sharp focus you really want.
Results are poor - it's harder to frame the image, and with a smartphone, it's hard to get the razor sharp focus you really want.
Another way is to "focus stack". This is something I've meant to try for photos of bugs on a macro lens, but haven't done it yet - I quite like framing a picture to have areas of interest sharp, others zones defocused. But, now we have #squadgoals
To focus stack, I composed the photo, but used manual focus to change the focus plane of the image, and shot a series of photos, with different figures in the sharp plane. I did about half a dozen shots. Three would have done, given that the figures are on three planes though.
Then, I downloaded a free piece of software called Combine ZP - you add in the files you want to stack, and hit a big green button. First results were poor - I didn't use a tripod, and it generated a double image as it couldn't realign & stack the shifted images properly. Yuck.
So, wedging the camera to steady it, tried again. The software did all the work in about a minute. Looks okay - any softness now if a fundamental limit of my camera (phone) optics and my limitations as a painter. But, all squad members and their genestealer mascot now in focus.
